Operation Rescue - The New Co-Ed; Chapter 25 free porn video

Operation Rescue: The New Co-Ed By ElrodW A young man gets in trouble and loses his scholarship. It looks like his dream of college to escape a poor future is doomed - until he sees an ad recruiting 'surrogates'. His life is about to change in ways that could redefine him in ways he could have never imagined. Chapter 25 - Delivery again Tommi's world is turning upside down as the semester ends. To add to her troubles, she's due again. The 'Operation Rescue' story universe and characters contained therein are copyright 2012 by ElrodW, all rights reserved. Use of the story universe or characters without the express written permission of the owner is a violation of copyright law. ********************************************************************** "Hey, Sara, wait up!" Tommi called to her sister. Tommi couldn't exactly run to catch Sara, since her pregnancy was just past seven months. A fast waddle was the best speed Tommi could manage. Sara paused on the sidewalk and turned, her face impassive. She seemed to be deliberating whether she should, indeed, wait for Tommi, or just ignore her and continue on. It was an accurate and unnerving performance. After a few seconds, she shifted her weight, crossing her arms just right, to let Tommi know she was highly impatient and didn't really want to talk. "It seems like you've been avoiding me," Tommi puffed as she caught up to Sara. "Are you going back to the dorm right now?" "Yeah," Sara answered icily. "I'm done for the morning." "Me, too. Can we sit down and talk?" Tommi asked. "Please?" She was almost begging. "I've got a paper I need to work on." Sara's excuse was lame, and she knew it. "But I suppose we can talk for a bit." Tommi noticed a brief flicker of a second emotion on Sara's features. She wondered briefly if Sara felt guilty about kissing Brian, or if there was something else. Tommi considered whether she'd bring it up later - after she apologized to her little sister. The walk back to the dorm was awkward. Every time Tommi tried to say something, Sara either pretended not to hear or ignored her. Finally, when they got in Tommi's room, Tommi turned on her little sister. "Sara, would you please listen to me?" Sara shrugged, as if she didn't care one way or the other what Tommi had to say. "Okay." Tommi sighed and shook her head. Sara didn't exactly seem receptive to a serious discussion or an apology. "I'm trying to tell you that I'm ... concerned about what you're doing," Tommi began hesitantly. "No shit!" Sara interrupted harshly. "You want to run my life, too, I suppose?" Her sarcasm was unmistakable. "Sara," Tommi pleaded, "would you please let me talk? I'm trying to say ... I...." She stopped, trying to find the right words. "I ... I'm sorry if you thought I was interfering in your life." "You _should_ be!" Sara snapped. "Didn't you think that, maybe, just maybe, I'd had more than my life's fill of someone trying to run my life?" "I just wanted to help!" Tommi said softly. "Did you stop to think that maybe I wanted to do something on my own, to prove to myself that I was good enough? That I was capable?" Sara's voice still had an edge, but it was dulled from her previous comment. "After being told for years that I _wasn't_ capable? Did that ever cross your mind?" Tommi stood, too stunned to reply. Sara's anger was clearly fueled by a lot of things, and Tommi wasn't sure she could unravel them all. "Maybe _you_ should be the one asking for advice and help," Sara continued, her expression angry and her words reproving. "You keep pushing people away. Why? What are you afraid of?" Tommi's eyes widened. This was _not_ how she'd expected her apology to be received - with counter accusations and criticism of _her_ behavior. "But ...." she stammered, not knowing how to respond. "You've got feelings for Brian that you're afraid to admit to yourself, don't you?" "That's none of your business," Tommi countered. "Why are you trying to set me up with Brian?" "What's wrong with him?" Sara continued to press the issue. "He's very sweet." Tommi's mood change instantly. "You should know," she snarled, her eyes glaring with fury, "the way you kissed him." Sara's mouth dropped open and her eyes widened. "But ... that was just ..." "Save it for the jury!" Tommi practically screamed. "Is this some Machiavellian plot to get Brian for yourself by pushing him at me until I get stubborn and push him away for good? Is that your twisted game?" "It _wasn't_ a date!" Sara tried to defend herself, tears flowing freely as she realized that Tommi had been badly hurt by what she'd seen. "I ... don't know why I gave him a kiss!" "And that was _you_ holding hands with him in the coffee shop the other day, too, wasn't it?" Tommi felt her own tears gushing forth, falling like tiny rivulets down and off her cheeks. She turned and stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind herself. Sara stood, not even bothering to wipe at her own tears, and realizing that she'd hurt Tommi very, very badly. She trembled at the thought that, maybe, she'd hurt Tommi badly enough that they might never recover the special close relationship that they'd so recently come to have. ********** Katie tugged at Tommi's arm, trying to encourage Tommi to stand and follow her. "You need to go." Tommi sat in her chair, stubbornly, not budging. "She doesn't want me," she said. Her voice echoed the pain at being left out. "You two hurt each other pretty badly," Katie acknowledged. "But you're still family, and you still need each other. You _have_ to go to her." "If she needs me, why didn't she let me know _when_ she was doing the transfer, so at least I could be with her in recovery?" "Would you knock off the self-pity, the 'my-sister-doesn't-want-me' crap and go?" Katie begged. "She's scared and alone, and she needs you, even if she won't admit it!" She rolled her eyes. "You two are so much alike. You're both too damned stubborn!" Tommi considered Katie's words carefully. Was she reacting from being hurt, or was Katie right? Was she just being obstinate? She sighed. "Okay," she finally said as she stood. On the way to the clinic, Katie tried to get Tommi to talk about Sara and her issues, but Tommi wasn't feeling very talkative. Katie, however, knew there was an issue she needed to press. "I hope you can apologize to Sara." Tommi snorted in disgust. "Why? Last time I tried, she wouldn't listen." "You need to apologize because you were wrong, and because she's your sister," Katie reminded her. "Maybe someone should tell _her_ that sisters don't ...." She stopped, not wanting to tell Katie more. "Maybe _you_ should remember what you told us earlier this year, that we shouldn't keep score, remember?" Katie rebutted. "If you love her, you'll let her know that you're sorry you made her feel like you were running her life, and you'll do it _without_ expecting an apology in return. Don't play tit-for-tat! Otherwise, the two of you will _never_ get your differences patched up!" Tommi sat, stewing, and contemplating Katie's words. "Okay," she finally said, as Katie pulled into a parking spot in front of the clinic. Inside, Tommi and Katie knew exactly where to go. They stopped at the nurse's station. "Hi, Deb," Tommi said, trying to sound cheerful, even as she trembled inwardly with fear of what their meeting with Sara would bring. Deb looked up from her computer. "Hi, Tommi. This is a change - seeing you here as a visitor rather than as a patient!" Tommi nodded, trying to smile. "Can I see Sara?" Deb nodded. "She's in room four. I don't suppose you need directions?" Tommi grinned. "I remember it well. That was the room I was in for labor and delivery, wasn't it?" "I didn't think you'd _ever_ forget that," Deb smiled. Katie had visited Sara earlier, and Tommi knew the inside of the clinic well, so they walked side-by-side down the corridor. Tommi smiled knowingly to herself, when they passed a very pregnant woman walking to try to speed the labor. Tommi had been in that exact position almost a year earlier. Katie walked directly into the room, but Tommi paused at the door and peeked in. "Hi," she said meekly. Sara turned from Katie, surprised, and tried to smile. "Hi," she echoed. "Thought you'd like some company, and I was getting curious about how you were doing," Tommi tried to make light conversation. "Katie and Ashley have been trying to keep me company," Sara said in a nonchalant tone. "But I'm glad you came." "I hope they're taking good care of you," Tommi said lightly. Sara nodded, smiling a bit. "I can't complain about the service." Tommi grinned. "If you do complain, they'll pamper you half-to-death!" She sat down beside Sara's bed. "How did the transfer go?" "Pretty well. The baby is eleven weeks gestational age. Tina was a little concerned, but she said I did okay." "Good. So you've got ten days here, and then another two weeks of bed rest in the dorm, right?" Sara stiffened slightly as Tommi told her what was in the future. "Yeah, and then four to five weeks of no lifting. I've already got Ashley and some of the girls lined up to help carry my books." "Don't forget me," Tommi said, sounding a little hurt. "I'll help any way I can. After all, I've been through it twice, so I know what you'll need." Tommi saw Katie wince at her statement. Sara turned slightly, away from Tommi and toward Katie. "I think I'm going to enjoy being pampered here for about ... a day. I expect it's going to get old really fast," Sara commented to Katie. The rest of the visit was a disaster for Tommi. Sara barely noticed that she was in the room, directing all her remaining conversation to Katie. Even when Tommi tried to apologize again for interfering, Sara didn't seem to notice her. After another few minutes, Tommi excused herself under the pretense of a chat with Rachel. In truth, she went to a break room and sat, letting tears flow down her cheeks as she wondered why she'd even bothered. It was clear that Sara didn't want her to visit, and wasn't accepting her apology. "Hey," Katie called from the door, startling Tommi. "Time to go." Tommi nodded, then stood and mutely walked beside Katie to the car. After Katie pulled out of the parking spot, Tommi sighed. "What happened?" "You just _had_ to say it, didn't you?" Katie chided her. "What?" Tommi was genuinely puzzled. "That comment about having done two surgeries," Katie explained. "Didn't you think of how she might interpret that?" Tommi's mouth hung agape as she shook her head for a moment. "What? All I was doing was letting her know that I'd help!" Katie sighed. "Would you stop for a second and think about how Sara might interpret it? Maybe she thinks you're still being the controlling big sister who's going to tell her what to do and what not to do. Did you consider that?" Tommi shook her head slowly. "So what am I _supposed_ to say? Or am I supposed to shut up and say nothing?" Katie shook her head. "Maybe," she said honestly. "She _should_ have been happy that you were interested in her, and her progress, and that you were concerned about her, and that you accepted her contract! I get the feeling that there's something else." Tommi nodded. "I bet she's still feeling guilty about dating Brian," she said slowly. "Could be." Katie focused momentarily on not having an accident when someone cut her off. "Just do us all a favor." "What?" "Keep your mouth shut about _your_ experience for the next few weeks, and focus on Sara. Let _her_ be the center of attention. Let _her_ experience everything new and exciting, without you making her feel like she's second fiddle." "How do I do that? Pretend it never happened?" Tommi asked, incredulous at the suggestion. "Why don't you try just shutting up?" Katie replied. ********** Tommi settled down on the stool and took a long sip of coffee. She'd decided to skip the pastry this morning, despite Jillian insisting. "I take it things with Sara still aren't going well?" Jillian surmised. Tommi nodded. "She was very cold and rude to me when I went to visit her yesterday," she said sadly. She closed her eyes and shook her head. "I just want to help her." Jillian put her hand on Tommi's as a gesture of support. "I know. I know how much you love Sara." She sighed. "I wish I could tell you how to patch things up." The two noticed a figure stopping at their table. "May I join you?" Erica asked simply. Tommi smiled. "Sure." Erica set her coffee and pastry on the table, dropped her backpack on the floor, and sat down on the stool. "I haven't seen you around for a few days." Tommi shrugged. "Been busy, I guess." Jillian sensed that Erica wanted to have a private conversation with Tommi. "I hate to eat and run," she said out of the blue, "but I've got to get to the library." She stood and picked up her backpack. "See you tomorrow?" she said as she gave Tommi a quick hug. "Sure. But I've got to ask you to please not tempt me with the pastries again! I spend too much time in the gym as it is!" Jillian smiled. "Deal." She turned and strode easily from the coffee shop. "So, where's your ... girlfriend?" Tommi asked Erica after Jillian was out of earshot. She was trying to be conversational, but the question had a sarcastic tone that was beyond mere curiosity. Erica shrugged. "Trudy doesn't own me," she answered simply Tommi sipped her coffee. "It looked to me like _she_ thought she did!" "Jealous?" Erica said teasingly. She saw Tommi's expression, and realized that she'd hit the mark. "You _are_ jealous!" she said, sounding both surprised and delighted. Tommi shook her head. "No," she said quickly. She saw the knowing grin on Erica's face. "Well, maybe a little," Tommi admitted slowly. Erica's smile broadened. "Trudy was just a fling," she explained. "I got lonely, and, well, she was there, and you ...." Tommi reached across the small table and put her finger on Erica's lip. "Shhhh," she said soothingly. "I didn't ask for all the details." "So, have you decided anything yet?" Erica continued. "Apart from the fact that you're jealous? Which, if you hadn't guessed, delights me to no end!" Tommi sighed heavily. "I thought I had," she said. "But my life has gotten very complicated lately." "Oh? How?" "Sara and I aren't speaking. She joined the program and had her transfer, and she accused me of trying to control her just because I'm worried about her and wished she hadn't joined the program." "But you _do_ wish she hadn't joined the program, right?" Erica interrupted. Tommi nodded. "I don't want to lose her, and, as good as the staff is, it's still risky. I had it set up so she wouldn't have to do something like that." "I see," Erica started. "It's okay for _you_ to take risks, but not for her?" "It's different!" Tommi tried to protest, but even as she spoke, she knew the words sounded hollow and feeble. "How is it different?" "It just ... seems like it _should_ be different!" Tommi said. "And she's accusing me of pushing Brian away on top of everything else." "Oh?" Erica tried hard to conceal the elation from her voice, but she failed. "I know you care for me," Tommi continued. "And I know Brian is nuts about me. I guess, in different ways, I care for both of you, too." She shook her head. "I'm just ... confused. I don't know what I want for the future." Erica sensed an opportunity. "Maybe, if you're trying to figure out what you want, you should let _me_ take you out on a couple of dates, so you can better judge which way you want to go." Tommi's eyebrow rose. "Interesting suggestion," she observed cautiously. Erica laughed. "I know it sounds silly." Tommi's next comment surprised Erica. "No," Tommi countered. She put her hands gently atop Erica's. "It sounds very sensible and practical. When are you planning to ask me out?" ********** As she walked slowly along the sidewalk, Tommi spied Brian ahead of her. He was walking along a different path than she was, so he didn't see her - yet. She knew it was only a matter of time before he glanced over and saw her. She debated slowing her pace so he wouldn't. She was too late. "Hi, Tommi," Brian greeted her, even as he changed direction and came to her side. "Hi," she answered, feeling a bit nervous. She'd been avoiding Brian after witnessing Brian kissing Sara. "Been busy, I take it?" Brian asked, trying to start a conversation. Tommi shrugged. "Same old, same old. You know how they pile the work on at the end of the semester." "Yeah," Brian agreed with a smile. "It seems I'm spending most of my time in the computer labs these days." "Except when you're out on dates," Tommi said, not even trying to keep the acid from her voice. Brian was surprised, and his reaction showed it. "I'm ... I'm not sure I follow you." Tommi shrugged. "I just figured you'd been dating a little lately?" "What are you talking about?" Brian asked, confused by what she was saying. "Just that I saw you a few days ago," Tommi said straightforwardly, "coming back to my dorm late, and then helping the passenger out of your car, and kissing her. Kissing _my_ sister, to be precise!" Brian's eyes widened. "I ... I took her for a late appointment," he stammered, not quite knowing how to address her accusation. "She didn't want to borrow your car again." "Uh, huh. So you kiss _all_ your passengers like that?" Tommi said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "I took her out for dinner, since it was a late appointment. When we got back to the dorm," he explained, "_she_ kissed _me_!" He was sounding desperate. "Tommi, you have to believe me! It wasn't a date! I didn't mean to kiss her!" "Dinner sounds like a date," Tommi commented acidly. "Good-night kissing sounds like a date!" "Okay, I'll admit that I shouldn't have taken her out to dinner," Brian agreed, "but we spent the time talking about _you_! I wanted her help in planning a surprise for your birthday!" "Right," Tommi said warily. It was clear that she didn't believe Brian's story; it was too convenient, and it didn't explain Sara's guilt. "Really," Brian pleaded. "You've got to believe me! I fell in love with you, not your sister! I mean, Sara is a wonderful girl and all, but you're the one I'm crazy about!" His eyes widened, as he saw Tommi's expression. Tommi's eyes were wide with surprise, and her shoulders hunched forward before she doubled over. Her breathing suddenly became shallow and fast, and she was grimacing in pain - severe pain. "Are you okay?" Brian asked, panic in his voice. "This is ... too early ... for labor," Tommi panted, her face contorted with agony. "Something's ... wrong!" Brian took her arm to lend her support. "What do you need to do?" he asked urgently, already glancing around for a bench or seat. There were, unfortunately, none nearby. Tommi looked near collapse. Brian couldn't support her, so he helped her ease down onto the grass next to the sidewalk. She rolled on her side, doubled over in pain. Brian knelt beside her, feeling slight terror. He looked around quickly and saw a girl standing a few feet away and staring at them. "Get campus security!" he ordered. "Now!" He saw the girl nod and run off. "Get an ... ambulance," Tommi gasped. "I need to go ... to the clinic." It seemed that her every word was a major effort. "An emergency room ..." Brian started to say. "The clinic - the hospital side!" Tommi repeated. "They're set up ... for this." Her voice seemed weaker with each word and with every passing moment. "Okay," Brian said nervously, as he dug for his cell phone. "My phone," Tommi urged. She was faint and struggling to stay conscious. "It's got the clinic number on quick dial. Call them and let them know I'm coming."...." Her voice trailed off into a faint murmur. Brian felt awkward, but he retrieved Tommi's phone. A call to the clinic's emergency dispatcher got an ambulance on the way, and alerted the staff that Tommi was having some type of emergency. Brian grasped Tommi's hand, holding it tightly. "Hang on, Tommi," he pleaded, tears starting to flow. "Help is coming. Stay with me, please." He was terrified; she seemed so weak and unresponsive, and her complexion was ghostly white. He stole a quick glance from her face, to see if there was any indication of discomfort or distress, and he paled. Tommi's slacks glistened crimson with fresh blood. ********** Sara and Katie ran into the clinic and directly to the nurse's station. "Where's Tommi?" Katie demanded of the nurse. The nurse frowned. "You can't run around the clinic like ..." Rachel had been alerted by Suzie, as soon as Sara and Katie came into the clinic, and she was close behind the sisters. "It's okay, Beth," she said. "I've got this one." Sara turned to Rachel. "Where's Tommi? Why won't anyone tell us anything?" "Hold on. You haven't given anyone a chance, yet," Rachel said, trying to sound soothing. "Tommi is in the OR right now. You can't see her." Sara sank into a chair, her face somber. "How bad ...? When ... when can we see her?" She was afraid to finish the question. Deb had heard the commotion and came to the station. "Tommi had some serious complications," she explained. "We've got the best doctors in the business taking care of her right now." Rachel nodded. "Let's go to the break room," she suggested. "We can sit and talk, and we won't be in the middle of the activity. Beth and Deb will know where we'll be, so they can bring word as soon as they know anything." The walk to the break room seemed miles long. As soon as they sat, Sara repeated her question. "When will you know anything?" Deb glanced at Rachel. She shook her head sadly. "I don't know." "What ... what happened?" Sara continued. Katie was sitting woodenly, listening to every detail. "Tommi had a separation of the placenta from her uterus," Deb explained. "That's why she was bleeding so badly. She's lost a _lot_ of blood. We don't know yet how the baby is doing. We have to stabilize Tommi first, and then we'll take care of the baby." Katie nodded, her expression guardedly neutral to hide her inner turmoil. "I'm going to call Mom," she said, her voice quavering. She walked into the hall, already working the buttons phone. "Is she going to be ... okay?" Sara was starting to cry, dreading the thought of losing her sister. "Like Deb said," Rachel replied, "we've got the best obstetricians and surgeons available." She leaned close to Deb and whispered, "I think you better get to the OR. Tina is going to need all the help she can get, and you're her best scrub nurse." Deb nodded mutely and hurried from the break room. Sara leaned forward, her elbows on her knees and her face buried in her hands, as tears streamed down her cheeks and fingers. "You've got to take care of Tommi," she said softly. "You can't let anything happen to her." "We're doing everything we can," Rachel answered as she sat and put her arm around Sara's shoulders. "We're doing everything we can." "Did Brian come in with her?" Rachel nodded. "He was with her when she collapsed. He rode in with her in the ambulance. He wouldn't let go of her hand until we were moving into the OR." She shook her head sadly. "He's pretty devastated, and he blames himself. He thinks that, somehow, he caused some distress to Tommi that caused this. I've got one of the counselors talking to him right now." "He really loves her." "Yeah," Rachel acknowledged. "And right now, he's terrified of losing her, just like we all are." Katie came back in and sat down next to Sara. "I called Mom to let her know," she reported softly. "I also called Jillian." Sara nodded mutely, her face still in her hands as she continued to cry. A while time later, Jillian entered the break room. She saw Sara and Katie sitting, very concerned expressions on their faces. "How is she doing?" Jillian asked hesitantly. Katie shook her head. "We don't know." Deb popped her head back in. "Tina says we're going to have to deliver early by C-section. The placenta tear is too big to repair for this stage of pregnancy." She disappeared back into the hall. Her footsteps weren't reassuring; she was running in a clinic that was known for being very laid-back. Jillian sank into a chair. "It's my fault," she said to herself. "This is all my fault." She shook her head slowly. "What did I get Tommi into?" After staring at the floor for a few long silent moments, she glanced at Rachel. "Do you have a chapel?" "We just finished refurbishing it two weeks ago. I'll show you the way." She stood and guided Jillian out of the break room and down the hall to the new chapel. In a few moments, she was back. "Can I get you anything?" she asked Sara and Katie. "No," Katie replied softly. The girls sat in the break room with Rachel, keeping silent vigil. The clock ticked with agonizing slowness; minutes seemed like hours. Finally, Sara asked Rachel, "Where's the chapel?" "It used to be break room three," Rachel answered quickly. "Down the hall toward the nurse's station, take the first left, then the third door on the left. Do you want me to show you?" Sara shook her head. She'd find the chapel. She walked stiffly out the door and followed the directions. At the door of the chapel, she paused, then silently went inside and took a seat. Jillian was kneeling at an altar, her rosary beads in her folded hands. She was praying softly. If the circumstances hadn't been so dire, Sara would have noticed more of the chapel. There were several back-lit stained-glass panels around the room, lending a spiritual air. Between them were several rows of pews. The altar was set a step higher than the floor, with a railing surrounding it. It was at this railing that Jillian knelt. Sara wiped at her tears, listening to Jillian praying. While there was an urgency in Jillian's voice, there was also a calm reassurance, as if she _knew_ that her prayers would be answered. Sara found herself almost swept up in it with Jillian; if she had known the rosary prayers, she would have joined in. After a few minutes, the prayer stopped, and Jillian glanced around. She seemed surprised that Sara was in the chapel with her. Jillian stood and moved back to the pew Sara was in, sitting beside her. "Why?" Sara asked simply. She was confused by the concern Jillian displayed, in some ways even more than Sara had shown. "Why do you care so much about her? She's not even family." "She gave me everything," Jillian answered simply, "without asking anything in return. Because of her, I got my father back. I got to keep my faith. That's just the way she is." She looked at Sara. "But you know that," she added. "Oh." "She's my best friend," Jillian continued. "If she can give so much to me, the least I can do is pray for her." Sara sat, stung by Jillian's words. Jillian, a friend, was acting more charitable and caring toward Tommi than Sara had been, at least lately. She felt ashamed at how she'd been fighting with Tommi, of how she'd knowingly spurned Tommi's apologies - not once, but three separate times - and had hurt Tommi in the process. After a bit, when the peace of the chapel had calmed Sara's frazzled nerves, she decided to go back to Katie. "I'm going back now. You want to come?" Jillian shook her head. "No," she said simply. "This is a time for family. I'll stay here and keep praying for Tommi." Sara nodded, then stood and walked back to the break room and sat down with Katie. "Any updates?" Katie shook her head. "Nothing." She leaned over and hugged Sara. "I'm scared." She was clinging very tightly to her youngest sister, and she trembled as she fought to control her fears. Sara nodded, wiping at the seemingly never-ending stream of tears. "So am I." The tears she didn't catch spilled down her cheeks onto Katie's shirt; neither girl noticed or cared. "I don't want anything to happen to her," Katie sobbed, really breaking down for the first time since they got to the clinic. "Jillian says she'll be okay," Sara said, trying to comfort and reassure her oldest sister. "She said Tommi gives so much that God wouldn't let anything bad happen to her." Katie shook her head uncertainly. "I wish I could be so positive." She looked at Sara. "You know that Tommi really loves you, don't you?" "Yeah," Sara admitted. "Sometimes she just has a funny way of showing it." "She was really hurt seeing you kiss Brian," Katie continued. She was forcing the discussion away from Tommi's ongoing surgery. "She's still trying to figure out the direction for her life. She _does_ love Brian, even if she won't admit it to herself. But she also loves Erica. She's very confused about things." "I kind of figured as much." "That's why she felt so betrayed when she saw _you_ kissing Brian," Katie continued. "She also gets the impression that you aren't very grateful for her help." "Well, it _felt_ like she was setting me up for a control thing," Sara countered defensively. "I know you got a lot of that from Liz and your ma," Katie said quietly. "But that's not Tommi's way." "Funny," Sara gave a self-deriding half laugh. "That's exactly what Jillian said a couple of minutes ago." "Tommi just wants to help, because she loves you more than anything. More than me, more than Erica or Brian." "I wish she'd see I'm not a little girl. I wish she'd understand that I love her and admire her enough that I wanted to be like her," Sara was crying again. "Can't she see that?" "Maybe she _can't_ see it," Katie explained softly. "Maybe _you_ need to tell her. You need to let her know that you love her and admire her and want to be like her, even if you're not a little kid anymore." Sara's tears burst forth from a trickle to a torrent. "It's my fault that Tommi did her second pregnancy. It's my fault that she's lying in that operating room." Katie wrapped her arms around Sara and pulled her head onto Katie's shoulder, letting the distraught girl cry. Katie's tears, momentarily abated, flowed again. She loved her sister a lot, like Sara did. She was as worried about Tommi as Sara was. And there was nothing either of them could do except to wait. ********** Sara rushed into the room and threw her arms around Tommi, who was lying, still groggy, on the bed. "Don't you _ever_ scare me like that again!" Sara cried, her tears flowing as she hugged her sister. Tommi winced at the discomfort of Sara leaning across her. "I won't," she said weakly. Sara noticed Tommi's grimace of pain. She straightened up, looking sheepish. "Sorry," she said as she wiped at her tears. "Does it hurt?" Tommi nodded slowly. "Yeah. And I'm still all doped up with pain killers." Deb walked calmly past Katie and Sara to Tommi's bedside and took Tommi's vital signs. After dutifully recording the data, she patted Tommi's hand. "How are you feeling?" she asked, trying to sound cheerful. Tommi closed her eyes for a moment. When she opened them, she tried to smile, but even that was an effort for her. "Weak. Sore." "Considering what you've been through, that's understandable," Deb answered. "I'm going to continue my rounds, but I'm just a button away if you need anything." "Thanks," Tommi said softly. As Deb started to leave the room, Tommi realized there was something she didn't know. "Deb?" she called out. Deb returned to her bedside. "Yes?" "The baby?" Deb smiled and patted her hand again. "The baby is doing fine. Tina said your body did an unbelievable job of keeping the baby alive and healthy. She's a healthy little girl." "Thanks." Tommi sank back against her pillow, her eyes closing in relief that her pregnancy and ordeal hadn't been in vain. Katie took her turn giving Tommi a hug, but she was a little less enthusiastic and gentler than Sara had been. "I agree with what Sara said. Please don't do that again." Like Sara, she, too, was crying. "Okay," Tommi answered softly. "Got room for one more?" Jillian called as she peered into the room. "Sure," Katie answered for Tommi. She glanced over and saw that Tommi seemed to be dozing again. "But Tommi's pretty tired." Tommi's eyes opened a little. "I'm not asleep," she insisted quietly. "I'm just resting." As Jillian strode to Tommi's bed, Katie moved a bit toward the foot of the bed, so Jillian could talk to Tommi. Katie didn't let go of Tommi's hand, however. On the other side of the bed, Sara was clinging tightly to Tommi's hand and not budging from the bedside. "Hi," Jillian said simply. "How are you doing?" Tommi smiled. "I'm going to have Katie make up a sign so I don't have to keep answering," she joked. "At least they didn't remove your sense of humor," Katie said with a smile. "I'm so glad everything turned out okay," Jillian said, wiping at the tears that suddenly formed in her eyes. "I've never prayed so hard in all my life, as when you were in surgery." "Thanks," Tommi replied. Her eyes, too, were misting, but she was too tired and weak to dry them. Jillian noticed, and took a tissue to help Tommi dry her eyes. "We just got word that the baby is doing well, too," Sara added, knowing that Jillian would be curious. Jillian looked like she was going to collapse with relief. "Thank God," she said with heartfelt emotion. "I was so worried about both of you." "You know you're going to miss a couple of weeks of classes, don't you?" Katie asked Tommi. "Even with those rapid-heal drugs they've got you on, you really went through an ordeal, and Dr. Tina said you'd be on bed rest for at least two weeks." Tommi sighed. "I guess I'll have to write off two of my classes, then." "What do you mean, write off classes?" Jillian asked, frowning. "I've got major projects and tests scheduled in some of my classes, and there's a rule about no make-up on those," Tommi answered. Jillian frowned. "We'll see about that!" Tommi spent some of her precious energy and put her hand on Jillian's. "Please don't do anything," she urged her friend. "Promise me?" "But ... it's the least I can do!" Jillian protested. "No. Please?" Jillian sighed in frustration. She knew she could fix things in a heartbeat, if Tommi would let her. "Okay." "Thanks." Tommi let her hand drop. "I'm sorry I'm not better company right now, but I want to sleep some." Sara leaned over and gave Tommi another hug. "I'll be here with you." Katie nodded. "Me, too." "K." Tommi let her eyes drift shut. In seconds, her breathing became more regular and more relaxed as sleep took hold of the weary girl. Sara finally let go of Tommi's hand. She glanced around, and then pulled a chair to Tommi's bedside. She sat down, watching over her sister, as if somehow, her presence and attention would help Tommi heal more quickly. Katie turned to Jillian. "You didn't exactly promise, did you?" Jillian's expression was both pained at being doubted and guilty at being caught. "I agreed, didn't I?" Katie laughed. "You didn't _say_ that you promised, though." "I can't let her suffer for my mistake," Jillian said firmly. Katie sighed with exasperation. "I know you're going to do what you're going to do. But please don't hurt my ...," she glanced at Sara and corrected herself, "_our_ sister. Even if you have good intentions!" Jillian nodded slowly. "I understand." She turned and left, pausing at the door to look at Tommi. "I'll stop by later to see if she's awake and wants to talk." After Jillian left, Katie stood suddenly. "I'm going to stretch my legs for a minute." She walked out to the nurse's station. Deb looked up as Katie leaned on the desk. "Can I help you?" she asked pleasantly. "Can I talk to Dr. Tina?" Katie asked. Deb checked a computer display, and nodded. "I'll show you to her office. You can wait there. She should be done with her current patient in a few minutes." Inside the office, Katie slumped wearily into a chair. It had been a very long ordeal for her and Sara. Tommi had been in the operating room for six of the longest hours of Katie's life. She was sure it felt even longer to Sara. As Deb had predicted, Dr. Tina came into her office within two minutes. She was back in her lab coat, having shed her very bloody surgical scrubs. "Don't get up," she said as Katie started to rise. "I know you girls must be exhausted." "Yeah. I bet you are, too." "What can I do for you?" Dr. Tina asked bluntly. She was too tired for chit-chat. "I suppose you have some questions about Tommi's surgery and her condition?" Katie simply nodded. "How bad was she?" Dr. Tina bit her lower lip. She _shouldn't_ tell someone else about a patient, but she knew Katie was legally family. "Very bad," she said. "Very bad." "What does that mean?" Dr. Tina sat back, feeling very tired herself. "Tommi coded on us three times during the surgery. Legally, technically, she died three times, and we brought her back three times." She shook her head. For some reason, her eyes were watering, and she wiped at the moisture. "We almost lost her. It was very close." Her voice cracked, betraying her affection for Tommi as a dear friend. "I don't think we could have managed a fourth." Katie was thoroughly shaken by Dr. Tina's candid description of just how bad Tommi's condition had been. "What's her future? Does this mean she can't ever have children? You do know that she wants to have children of her own someday." Dr. Tina shrugged. "I don't know if she will be able to. My crystal ball quit working a long time ago. Medically, her next pregnancy - assuming she _gets_ pregnant - is going to be considered very high risk, until proven otherwise." Katie dabbed at her own tears. "Thank you for saving her." Dr. Tina shook her head. "Don't thank me. There's someone else who gets all the credit." She glanced upward with her eyes; her intent was very obvious. ********** Brian peeked cautiously into the room. When he saw that Tommi appeared to be sleeping, he sighed heavily. "I guess I'll come back later," he said softly to himself. Tommi opened her eyes at his soft words. She hadn't been sleeping, but merely resting. "Hi," she said softly when she recognized him, startling him. "Hi," Brian said. He wasn't sure quite what to say. "How are you feeling?" "Better," Tommi said weakly, "thanks to you." She tried to smile. "You don't have to stand in the doorway. Come here." Brian padded softly to Tommi's bedside. "You look a lot better than the last time I saw you." His voice was choking at the frightening memory. "A bit closer, please. My throat is still sore, and I can't talk very loud." Brian bent over the bed until he was a few inches from Tommi. "You scared me," he admitted, his eyes misting. "I've never felt so helpless in my life." Tommi mustered a bit of strength, and she lifted her arms to encircle Brian's neck. She pulled him down as she raised her lips toward his. After a long, heartfelt kiss, she let her head plop back on her pillow. "Thank you," she said. The dam holding back Brian's tears burst; he began to cry openly. "Please don't ever do that again," he said as he hugged Tommi. "I don't plan on it," Tommi said softly. She let her tired eyes close for a few moments. "Dr. Tina told me that I was lucky you were with me," she said. "She said you saved my life." Brian was shaking his head, trying to deny what she'd said. "But, if I hadn't ...." "Shhh," Tommi interrupted. "You _didn't_ cause anything. It's not your fault. It was going to happen, regardless of whether I was upset at you kissing Sara or not." "But ...." "Tommi shook her head gently. "It _wasn't_ your fault! And I believe you - about it being an innocent thing." "I'm so sorry," Brian repeated. He lifted his head so he was staring directly into Tommi's eyes. His hands rested gently on her cheeks. "I love _you_." Tommi smiled. "Is this where I'm supposed to say, 'I know,' like in Star Wars?" She closed her eyes and rested for a few moments, before she looked at Brian again. "Have you been here since I came in?" Brian nodded. "Yeah," he admitted. "I ... couldn't leave." "Do me a favor." "What?" "Go get some rest," Tommi replied lightly. "I've got a lot of staff to take care of me, so I'll be okay. You can come and visit any time, but you need to take care of yourself." "Okay." Brian sounded humbled, even hurt at her request. "Brian," Tommi continued, "I'm not chasing you away. I'm glad you stopped by. But I'm very tired, and I don't feel very talkative right now. I like talking with you, but right now, we _both_ need some rest. Go get a nap, clean up, get something to eat, and come back later tonight. I'm not going anywhere." Brian smiled at her feeble joke. "Okay," he answered. "I'll be back later, then. I think I know where I can find you." He leaned over, gave her another kiss, and, with a faint smile, strode from the room. After talking with Tommi, his heart was lighter. He paused in the doorway, looking at her, and realized that she was already asleep. He blew her a kiss before leaving. ********** "Knock, knock." The voice at the door was as familiar as it was unexpected, and the face peeking in Tommi's room was a pleasant surprise. "Mom?" Sara cried with delight, as she leaped from her chair. She enveloped Ronnie in a huge bear hug. "What are you doing here?" she asked. Ronnie smiled. "When one of my girls is in trouble, my place is by her side." She pried Sara from her, so she could go to Tommi's bedside. "I'm glad you're here, Mom," Tommi said, giving her mother a weak smile. She gave Ronnie a kiss on her cheek when Ronnie bent over to hug her. "As soon as I heard what happened, I made some arrangements at work and caught the next flight I could." Tommi smiled. "They're going to be keeping me here for a few days, but the staff is fantastic. They make such a fuss over me that I really don't need ..." "Oh, pooh!" Ronnie scoffed. "Can they give you motherly love? I don't think so." "I'm glad you're here, but you can't just leave Dad home alone! I've got friends to help," Tommi protested. "I'm here, and that's the end of _that_ sort of talk!" Ronnie announced firmly. She turned to Sara and Katie. "You two have probably spent the last few days right here, and I bet your studies are suffering. You can go get some rest and get caught up. I'm here to make sure our girl is okay." Sara nodded slowly, accepting Ronnie's logic; she truly felt exhausted. Katie felt the same. "Let's go, Sara. Mom has spoken." Sara laughed, the first time in days that she'd felt light-hearted enough to laugh. "Yeah." "And I'm going to take you two out for a real meal tonight," Ronnie added before the girls ducked out the door. "You've probably been living on junk food, and you need a real, healthy meal! I think we can trust the staff for an hour or so, don't you?" Katie nodded. "Okay." Ronnie waited until the girls had gone before returning her attention to Tommi. "This has been a rough one, hasn't it?" Tommi nodded. "Not quite what I signed up for." "Are you thinking about hosting another baby?" Ronnie's perception was uncanny. Tommi nodded sheepishly. "Yeah." "I wish you wouldn't," Ronnie said softly. "This one was too close." Tommi sighed. "But ... someday, I want my own children. I ... have to know that I can do that, especially after ... this one." "I understand," Ronnie said softly. "And I can't stop you. But I _can_ ask you to wait a bit, so you can heal some more, before you try again." Tommi nodded. "Yeah, I've already figured that they wouldn't let me rush in to host another baby." "I get the sense from what you and your sisters say that you're confused about a few things." Tommi frowned. "I'm not sure I understand. I _know_ I'm going to stay a woman. I like it more. It feels right." She smiled. "By the way, I'm going to get a little cosmetic surgery so I look a little more feminine. Soften my nose, maybe soften my chin, and get rid of my little Adam's apple." Ronnie chuckled. "Just like a woman to be worrying about her looks. But I was talking about relationships." "Oh," Tommi answered. She suddenly felt awkward. How was she supposed to talk about sexual relationships with her mother? "I understand you've been dating a young man." "Brian. Yeah, we've dated some." Tommi's answer left a lot of openings to explore, and hinted at something more. "And?" Tommi looked away from Ronnie's eyes, embarrassed. "We've dated. And ... we ...." Ronnie nodded knowingly. "I kind of figured so. This is the point we'd normally talk about precautions and sexually-transmitted diseases and such, but I know the staff here have already gone over that. Besides, there wasn't much chance of you getting pregnant when you were _already_ carrying a baby!" She paused to watch Tommi's reaction. "Do you like him?" Tommi thought for a moment, and then nodded. "He's very sweet and caring. He treats me like I'm a goddess." Ronnie smiled. "Reminds me of when your father and I were dating. Do you _love_ him?" Tommi thought for a few moments before she spoke. "I think I kind of do - in a way." "Does he make your heart flutter when you think of him?" Tommi paused before answering. "Some," she admitted softly. "How about Erica?" Tommi's jaw dropped. She thought that was a secret. "How did you know?" "A mother has her ways," Ronnie answered with a smile. Tommi nodded slowly, acknowledging Ronnie's guess. "Yeah, we dated once. It was ... a one-night stand. At least, it was supposed to be." "But?" Tommi shook her head as she stared at the foot of the bed. "I ... really like Erica. She's sweet, she's fun. She's passionate." "Have you dated her more than that once?" Ronnie's question floored Tommi. "No. I was ... scared ... of what happened. And I didn't know what you and Dad would think if I was ..." "The word is 'lesbian', dear," Ronnie finished with a knowing smile. "You know, I get the feeling that you love Erica, too." Tommi nodded slowly. "Yeah, I guess I do." "Does _she_ make your heart flutter?" Tommi sighed. "In a way," she replied after thinking a moment. She sighed. "I saw her with another girl in the coffee shop, and I was ... jealous." Her admission came hard - mostly because she'd never really admitted it to herself. The admission forced her to think about her true feelings for Erica. "And maybe you need to give her a chance on dating, the same as you have with Brian?" "Yeah. She asked for the same thing." Tommi scowled. "What if I decide I love Erica? What will that mean? Won't you and dad be disappointed?" Ronnie shook her head. "The most important thing is my daughter's happiness, dear." "Oh." Tommi had a lot to think about. "It may be complicated, though." "Why's that?" Tommi frowned. "I think Sara is starting to fall for Brian." Ronnie grimaced. "That could get messy." "It already is messy." Tommi sighed. "I saw them together a couple of times. He claimed that they were working on a surprise for me, but then I saw her kissing him." Tommi's voice was tinged with pain. "Oh, dear," Ronnie winced. "I suppose you felt betrayed by Sara, or maybe jealous of Brian?" She was doing her best to keep her motherly sympathy on full display for her daughter's sake, even as she realized that the situation was far worse than she'd imagined from prior phone conversations with her girls. Tommi she nodded slowly. "Yeah. To both." ********** "Not again!" Katie complained softly. "I thought you were done with all those hassles." Tommi nodded. "Me, too." She sighed; two and a half weeks after her surgery, just days after getting off bed-rest, and only a day after resuming classes, Tommi had another summons to the Dean's office. "Got any clues what this is about?" Tommi shook her head. "Nope. Unless ...." She frowned. "Jillian promised me." Katie winced visibly. "Technically, she didn't promise," she said. "And you were pretty groggy from the medicines, so you may have thought she made a promise that she didn't make." Tommi scowled. "Jillian knows how I feel. She wouldn't do this, would she?" "There's only one way to find out, kiddo." She pulled on her shoes and stood. "Let's go find out." "You're coming with me?" Tommi protested. Katie laughed. "Mom's orders. For the next week or so, you're not lifting anything, or walking any distance alone." Tommi sighed. "I guess she means well, and it's probably for my own good." "And don't you forget it!" The two walked slowly across campus. Despite weeks of recovery and the rapid-heal protocols, Tommi was still frighteningly weak. She'd lost a lot of blood, and she had the trauma of her emergency C-section, as well; her body could only recover so fast. When they got to the Dean's office, the secretary greeted Tommi warmly. "Please sit down, dear. I know you've had a trying time. The Dean will be with you...." "Right now," the Dean spoke from the doorway his office, where he was standing, as if he'd been waiting for Tommi. "Please come in." He held the door for Tommi and Katie, closing it behind them. "Have a seat and make yourselves comfortable. Can I have my secretary get you anything to drink?" Katie gave Tommi a disbelieving glance; after the early horror stories of dealing with the Dean, these pleasantries were unexpected to Katie. Not so, apparently, to Tommi. She seemed relaxed. "I'll pass, thank you," she replied easily. Her eyes were fixed on Jillian, seated across from her. "Hi, Jillian." "I'm glad to see you up and about," the other girl replied with a warm smile. "It's nice to be out of a hospital bed." The Dean interrupted and sat down. "Now, I understand that your medical condition interrupted some crucial lab projects and a test, is that correct?" He got straight to the point. Tommi nodded. "Yes, sir. Those professors told me that there would be no make-up on either the lab work or on the test." The Dean smiled. "One good thing about my position is that I can overrule inflexible policies when they don't make sense. And since you _were_ in a hospital after surgery, it only makes sense to permit make- up work. Does that sound fair?" Tommi nodded. "But ..." "But nothing. How much of a time extension do you need? You were out, what, three weeks?" He glanced at Jillian for confirmation. Tommi frowned at Jillian. "I don't expect any special favors," she said, trying to sound stern but polite. The Dean nodded. "Okay, let's put our cards on the table." He sat back, and for a few moments, bit his lower lip as he contemplated what to say. "I noticed how concerned Jillian was for your health. I know she considers you her best friend, but her concern seemed quite ... excessive. I also know about her pregnancy, and the, um, coincidence of your contract and Jillian's condition." He smiled. "Even if Jillian hadn't confirmed it, I _knew_ that you were carrying her child. True?" Tommi glanced nervously at Katie, looking for some sign of how to handle this. Katie, however, was as clueless as Tommi. She looked back at the Dean. "True," she admitted softly. "And you lied to me when I asked you earlier, didn't you?" Tommi nodded again. The Dean smiled unexpectedly. "I think I understand why. You didn't want any special favors. You were afraid that I'd give you some undue attention, right?" "Yeah, something like that." "And, truth be told, I probably would have," the Dean confirmed. "I respect your decisions and your reasons for them. But that's behind us now." "So ... the make-up time?" Tommi was worried that it was his version of payback. The Dean shrugged. "You could call it returning a favor. Or you could see it from my perspective and call it putting a few arrogant, obstinate professors with indefensible policies in their place." "Is this the end of it then? No more favors?" The Dean nodded. "If you consider this a favor, then yes, this is the end." "And what's the part you aren't telling Tommi?" Katie asked cautiously. The Dean smiled at her. "Observant. Very observant." He leaned back. "The girl you gave birth to was adopted by my son and his wife. They'd had ... problems. Very conveniently, your emergency early delivery messed up the schedule at the Foundation to get the social work, interviews, and such done for the original prospective parents, so my son was able to make arrangements to adopt, since they'd already done the work and were already on another waiting list. They named her Anastasia, by the way. Anastasia Marie." Katie nodded her understanding. "Um, how large was the donation to the Morris Foundation?" Jillian's and Tommi's eyes widened in surprise at Katie's blatant question. The Dean, however, laughed. "Not exactly diplomatic, but ... let's just say that a small donation, plus some funding to allow one of our biology labs to work with the Foundation, _plus_ inviting Dr. Morris to be the commencement speaker - it all greased the skids, so to speak." Katie laughed. "I bet you could have gotten the Foundation to cooperate with just the commencement speaker gig. You _know_ that the Foundation wants to spread its message, and commencement would be a perfect opportunity." The Dean nodded. "Maybe. But this was one I couldn't take a chance on. So, I pull a few strings, called in a few favors, and Mark and Julie get to adopt a healthy baby girl. Everything stays in the family." "Family re-unions are going to be weird," Tommi observed. "What will the baby call Jillian, 'Aunt-Mom'?" The Dean laughed, as did Jillian. "Maybe. I guess we'll cross that bridge when we come to it." Jillian looked at Tommi. "I hope you don't feel like I betrayed you when I talked to Dad," she said fearfully. "I only wanted to help you." Tommi smiled at her friend. "I know. I'm glad things all worked out in the end." "Not quite all," Jillian commented. "But I think we can fix that, too." Tommi was perplexed. "What?" she asked. The Dean smiled. "I understand a host mother goes through some significant separation issues, when she doesn't ever get to see or hold the baby she's carried." Tommi nodded, her expression grim. "Yeah," she confirmed nervously, her lip trembling at the memory of the separation pain of her first baby. She hadn't wanted to be reminded of _that_ aspect of her service. "We all talked - Jillian, Mark, Julie, and I - and we all feel that, with the critical role you played, you have a special place in little Anastasia's life. Julie said she'd be happy for both you and Anastasia if you want to visit and get to know the girl you cared for. Kind of, to be her Aunt Tommi." Tommi's eyes started watering. "Thank you," she stammered. "That's very generous. I'd like that. I'd like that very much." ********** Tommi decided that stadium seating in a movie theater, while comfortable and giving a good view, had a definite drawback. She felt a little drowsy. Even the noise of the patrons standing and noisily shuffling toward the exit wasn't penetrating her tranquil mood. Then again, she reminded herself, it might be the company. She let her head turn slightly to her right. A smile crossed her face, when she saw Erica smiling at her. Erica's eyes were alight with joy, and the contented look on her face was positively radiant. "Where to now?" Tommi queried. "Or is that a surprise?" "Could be a surprise," Erica answered enigmatically. "Or we can skip all that and go straight back to my room for a night of hot sex." She grinned at the last part. Tommi feigned shock. "You don't think I'm going to put out on a first date, do you? Remember, you don't have hormones working in your favor now." Erica laughed. "In that case, why don't we leave this place and go get some dessert?" She suggested a restaurant. Tommi's expression told Erica that was a bad idea even before Tommi could speak. "Maybe the chocolate bar?" Erica quickly substituted a suggestion. Tommi relaxed. "That sounds good." Erica and Tommi walked to Erica's car at a leisurely pace, arm-in-arm. While it was nice to be close to Erica, Tommi was still weak, and having the extra support was a bonus. Besides, when she leaned her head onto Erica's shoulder, she could smell Erica's sweet enticing perfume. Erica was ensuring that Tommi saw her at her best. She wore a tight- fitting blouse with a scoop neckline to better display her cleavage, which was enhanced by a push-up bra. A short skirt showed practically all of Erica's long sexy legs, and her heels gave her stride an alluring swing. She'd done her strawberry-blond hair in a French braid, giving her a sophisticated and yet naughty look. With her perfectly-applied makeup and lip gloss, Erica was the complete sex-kitten. She was so enticing that Tommi had tasted the slight strawberry flavor of her lips several times during the movie. In comparison with Erica, Tommi was attired more simply. Her skirt was a bit longer, and her blouse a bit more modest. Tommi wore her hair in a simple ponytail for convenience. She wore no perfume, and little makeup - not that it mattered to Erica. She also wore simple flats; heels were out of the question for a while longer - at least until she got more strength and endurance back. Tommi and Erica sat in the chocolate bar talking until the owner asked them to settle their account so he could close. Embarrassed, the two girls walked back to Erica's car. Once seated inside, Erica turned to Tommi. "Now what?" Tommi giggled. "Shall we find another place to get thrown out of?" Erica laughed at her comment. "I wouldn't say we were thrown out. I guess it's late. Shall I take you home?" "Unless you're having as much fun talking as I am." Erica smiled pleasantly. "I thought it was just me. And yes, I'm thoroughly entranced just sitting with you and chatting." Tommi smiled. "How about if we go back to your room, since your roommate is home for the weekend? We can sit and talk all we want, without worrying about the place closing." "Or not talk?" Erica suggested, raising her eyebrows. Tommi laughed. "Let's not plan on anything, okay?" She was choosing her words carefully so she didn't hurt Erica. "I'm having fun getting to know you, and talking about ... things." Erica nodded, the smile never fading from her face. "Deal. I'll ... I'll handcuff myself, so I don't attack you!" Tommi grinned wickedly. "You're assuming that I'm not into that sort of thing!" Erica _was_ very sensitive to Tommi's desire that they get to know each other better. She didn't put any moves on Tommi, nor did she make any untoward suggestions, apart from the unintended double-entendres of their conversation, to which both girls laughed. She knew that Tommi was still recovering, and had to be very careful not to overdo things. Tommi, for her part, was surprised by Erica's life story. She hadn't known that Erica was an Army brat who had lived in Japan, Hawaii, and Germany. She'd been around the world, and spoke both German and Japanese. Because of that nomadic life, she had a very strong desire to settle down in one place and raise a family, not moving around like she'd done growing up. She was the oldest of three, with two younger bratty brothers, or so Erica described them. Thin shafts of sunlight through the blinds announced to Tommi and Erica that it was no longer late; it was very early in the morning. "Wow!" Erica said softly. "I didn't realize what time it was!" Tommi sipped from the cup of tea Erica had made for her. "I should be asleep on my feet, but I'm surprisingly not very tired." She smiled at Erica. "It must be the company." Erica grinned. "Must be. You suppose the girls will be gossiping about why you didn't come home last night and what you did?" Tommi laughed. "Let them. I'm a grown woman, and I can do what I want." "Your thought patterns and attitudes are becoming more and more female all the time. Did you notice?" Tommi nodded, smiling. "When I started the program, Dr. Tina told me that prolonged exposure to female hormones would permanently alter my brain functions. Not in a huge way, but in subtle ways. I guess that means I'm adapting." "And your other thoughts? Like about guys?" Erica asked hesitantly. Tommi shrugged. "I don't know. Sometimes, I feel like being with guys is gay, and I prefer being around girls. Sometimes, it feels like I'm starting to be attracted to guys." "Like Brian?" Tommi was surprised by Erica's comment. "I wasn't thinking of him in particular," she replied cautiously. Erica dropped her gaze, staring into her hands. "I know you like Brian. I know he's nuts about you, too," she explained, her voice melancholy. "I know you dated him a whole bunch. Everyone has seen the way you kiss him. Some of us were even speculating about whether you and he ... you know. I didn't tell," she added softly. Tommi sighed. She'd hoped to avoid this topic. "Brian is ... okay. He's safe. He isn't some guy on the prowl for a piece of ass. And yes, I know he has fallen in love with me." "You're still dating him?" Erica asked sadly. Tommi nodded. "Yeah." "Does he know that we're dating, too?" Tommi shook her head slowly. "I don't think so. Not yet, anyway. I ... need to tell him." "So, I get the odd days, and he gets the even days?" Tommi laughed. "Katie actually suggested that!" "Having you half of the time is better than having you none of the time," Erica tried to put a positive spin on Tommi's arrangement. "Brian knows that I'm confused, and that I'm trying to sort out my feelings. He still hopes I'll fall head-over-heels in love with him." "And?" Erica was afraid of the reply, but still felt compelled to ask. Tommi let her head hang forward, shaking it slightly. "I don't know," she said softly. "I like him. I suppose I even love him a little. But I don't know if I could fall into a permanent relationship with him. He's safe, and gentle." "And I'm?" Erica looked down into her folded hands, afraid of what Tommi might say. Tommi turned to Erica and gently lifted her chin, until they were staring eye-to-eye. "You're fiery, passionate, and adventurous. You're daring, sexy, and bold, all in one." Erica didn't know how to react. "I can be tender and gentle, too," she whispered. Tommi leaned forward and boldly kissed Erica. It was a long, involved, passionate kiss that left the two breathless when they parted lips. "Sometimes fiery and daring is good," Tommi said with a smile. Erica kissed Tommi again, this time with even more passion. When they parted, Erica sat back, and her expression became sad. "I'm really going to miss you after you have your surgery." "Surgery?" Tommi was confused. "You know," Erica continued, her voice cracking. "To change back to Tom." Tommi's eyes widened as she listened to Erica. "Oh, shit!" she swore as she realized that no-one knew, apart from Sara and Katie. "I completely forgot!" She shook her head. "I'm not changing back!" she said boldly. "I'm staying Tommi forever! There was so much happening, I _totally_ forgot to tell everybody!" Erica launched herself at Tommi, kissing her with a more intense passion than she'd ever mustered. Erica's fingers ran through Tommi's hair and across her cheek. She held Tommi tightly as she continued to kiss her friend. Eventually, the two paus